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I have a Grizzly G1073 16" Bandsaw (2 hp) I bought new in 1999. It's a good bandsaw but I've struggled getting great cuts out of it. It still has all original hardware (other than the blade). It runs as good as it did new but I'd describe the overall build as a bit "loose". It has decent capability and I use it fairly regularly.
I'm debating upgrading to the Carter bearing guides. But I'm not sure if I should just sell it and buy a more expensive model and hope it will have better characteristics.
I went by the local Woodcraft and they have none in stock to look at. As with everything else these days it looks like it will be several months before anything is in stock.
I'm just not sure if buying a new band saw sight unseen will make much difference in the operation. I do like the idea of a blade detensioner to make blade changes easier. I would hope the build quality of some would be "tighter". I've looked a little at the Laguna 14", Jet 15", Harvey 14" and Powermatic 15" (that one is around $3k). I'm ok with spending around $2k or so. The $3k is getting above my pain threshold.
I'm interested in those of you with bandsaws in this range and especially if any of you have upgraded from an old Grizzly to know if it is worth buying new or if I should just add some upgrades, tune it up and keep going. TIA